Submarine Race in the Bay of Bengal? Bangladesh Eyes South Korean Upgrade, Challenging India’s Kalvari

SOURCE: AFI

The Bangladesh Navy is poised to significantly bolster its maritime capabilities through advanced negotiations with South Korea for the acquisition of six Improved Jang Bogo-class (KSS-I) submarines, valued at approximately $2 billion. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance deterrence in the Bay of Bengal, particularly against regional powers like India and Myanmar, while safeguarding Bangladesh’s maritime interests, including its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), offshore energy resources, and fishing grounds.

The Bangladesh Navy’s pursuit of six Improved Jang Bogo-class submarines, based on the German Type 209/1400 design and manufactured by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME), marks a significant step in modernizing its underwater fleet. These submarines will be stationed at the newly constructed BNS Pekua submarine base near Cox’s Bazar, built by China’s Poly Technologies at a cost of $1.29 billion. The acquisition aligns with Bangladesh’s maritime strategy to ensure persistent surveillance, deterrence, and operational flexibility in the Bay of Bengal, particularly in response to growing submarine activity from neighboring countries.

The Improved Jang Bogo-class submarines offer enhanced capabilities over their predecessors, with a submerged speed of 21.5 knots, a surfaced speed of 11 knots, an endurance of up to 50 days, and a range of approximately 11,000 kilometers while snorkeling at 10 knots. Equipped with eight 533 mm torpedo tubes, these submarines can deploy torpedoes, Sub-Harpoon missiles, and potentially Hae Sung anti-ship cruise missiles. Upgrades include the ISUS-83 combat system, White Shark heavyweight torpedoes, and TB-1K towed array sonar systems, significantly improving detection, tracking, and engagement capabilities. The acquisition of six submarines will enable staggered patrols, ensuring a continuous underwater presence for intelligence gathering and deterrence.

The Indian Navy’s Kalvari-class submarines, part of Project-75, are diesel-electric attack submarines based on the French Scorpène-class design, built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in collaboration with Naval Group. Six submarines—INS Kalvari, Khanderi, Karanj, Vela, Vagir, and Vaghsheer—have been commissioned, with the final one inducted in January 2025. These submarines are designed for anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and minelaying, with advanced stealth features such as low radiated noise levels and acoustic absorption techniques.

Key Specifications Comparison

Analysis

1. Design and Size: The Kalvari-class submarines are larger (67.5 meters vs. 56 meters) and have a slightly higher displacement, allowing for more internal space for equipment and weapons. However, the compact design of the Jang Bogo-class makes it agile and suitable for operations in the relatively shallow waters of the Bay of Bengal.
2. Endurance and Stealth: The Jang Bogo-class boasts a longer endurance (50 days vs. 21 days without AIP for Kalvari), which is advantageous for extended patrols. The Kalvari-class, however, is set to incorporate an indigenous AIP system developed by DRDO, extending its submerged endurance to 14-21 days during mid-life refits for Batch-I and from construction for Batch-II. This AIP system enhances stealth by reducing the need to surface, making the Kalvari-class more competitive in prolonged underwater operations.
3. Armament: Both classes are equipped with 533 mm torpedo tubes, but the Kalvari-class carries a slightly higher weapons load (18 vs. 14). The Kalvari-class’s SM-39 Exocet missiles provide robust anti-ship capabilities, while the Jang Bogo-class’s Sub-Harpoon missiles and potential Hae Sung integration offer comparable firepower. The Jang Bogo’s towed array sonar enhances its anti-submarine warfare capabilities, giving it an edge in detection.
4. Strategic Role: The Kalvari-class is designed to project power across the Indian Ocean, with the ability to reach as far as Australia. The Jang Bogo-class, tailored for Bangladesh’s EEZ, focuses on regional deterrence and surveillance, particularly against India’s growing naval presence. Posts on X suggest that Bangladesh’s acquisition is perceived as a direct counter to India’s submarine capabilities, highlighting the regional strategic dynamics.

India’s Project-75I aims to procure six advanced diesel-electric submarines with AIP, modern missiles, and state-of-the-art sensors under the Strategic Partnership model. The German Type 214NG, proposed by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) in partnership with MDL, is a leading contender following the disqualification of the Spanish Navantia S-80 Plus bid due to its lack of a sea-proven AIP system. The Type 214NG is an enhanced version of the Type 214, tailored for India’s requirements.

Comparison with Jang Bogo and Kalvari-Class

Analysis

1. Technological Edge: The Type 214NG’s fuel-cell AIP system provides a significant advantage, allowing up to three weeks of submerged operations without snorkeling, compared to the Kalvari-class’s planned AIP retrofit and the Jang Bogo-class’s lack of confirmed AIP. This enhances stealth and operational flexibility, critical for India’s expansive maritime ambitions.
2. Armament and Versatility: The Type 214NG’s eight torpedo tubes and potential vertical launch system (VLS) for land-attack missiles offer greater versatility than both the Jang Bogo and Kalvari-class submarines. Its advanced combat systems, including the ISUS-90, provide superior target detection and engagement capabilities.
3. Strategic Implications: The Type 214NG is designed for multi-role operations, including anti-surface, anti-submarine, and land-attack missions, aligning with India’s need to counter China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean and maintain superiority over Pakistan. In contrast, the Jang Bogo-class focuses on regional deterrence, while the Kalvari-class bridges the gap but lacks AIP in its current configuration.
4. Indigenization: Project-75I emphasizes indigenous construction, with the Type 214NG bid promising significant technology transfer and 45-60% indigenous content, similar to the Kalvari-class Batch-II. The Jang Bogo-class, while advanced, is a foreign design with limited scope for Bangladesh’s indigenization.

Bangladesh’s acquisition of the Improved Jang Bogo-class submarines is a strategic response to the growing naval capabilities of India and Myanmar. The Bay of Bengal is a critical maritime region, with overlapping EEZs and strategic interests. Posts on X and web sources indicate that Bangladesh views these submarines as a deterrent against India’s naval dominance, particularly its expanding submarine fleet. The Jang Bogo-class’s compact design and robust armament make it well-suited for Bangladesh’s defensive strategy, focusing on EEZ protection and regional surveillance.

India’s Kalvari-class submarines, while more advanced in stealth and weaponry, are part of a broader strategy to project power across the Indian Ocean, countering China’s expanding naval presence. The planned AIP retrofit will enhance their stealth, but delays in implementation have raised concerns about operational readiness. The Type 214NG under Project-75I represents a leap forward, offering cutting-edge technology and multi-role capabilities that could solidify India’s regional naval superiority by the mid-2030s. However, the program’s prolonged delays highlight bureaucratic and industrial challenges.

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